Xinjiang audiences' discerning appreciation ignites ballet exchanges

Feng Ying, director of the National Ballet of China, during an interview at the Urumqi Grand Theatre, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, July 28, 2025. [Photo by Yang Chuanli/China.org.cn]

During an interview at the 7th China Xinjiang International Dance Festival on July 28, Feng Ying, director of the National Ballet of China (NBC), stated: "The Xinjiang International Dance Festival is a platform we are familiar with and feel close to. Every time we come here, we can feel the audience's enthusiasm for art."

As an old friend of the dance festival, this is the third time that the NBC has appeared on this stage. This time, the NBC not only brought the original ballet "A Dream of Red Mansions," which showcases the charm of the classic Chinese novel, but also performed "La Bayadère," known as the touchstone of classical ballet. In the form of dialogue between Eastern and Western arts, it presented the diverse styles of ballet art to audiences in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

Performers from the National Ballet of China on stage in "A Dream of Red Mansions." [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

Feng Ying admitted that the enthusiastic response to the performance exceeded their expectations: "The popularity of 'A Dream of Red Mansions' in Xinjiang is touching. The audience's applause always falls precisely on the key plot points. This deep understanding and love have greatly encouraged us."

Since first setting foot in Xinjiang in the 1970s, the NBC's artistic connection with the region has lasted more than half a century. The performers not only feel the strong passion for singing and dancing among Xinjiang audiences, but also draw inspiration from exchanges with local art troupes. "The interaction with the Muqam Art Troupe of Xinjiang Art Theater has brought new inspiration to our creation, and cultural and art collision is of great value," she said.

Performers from the National Ballet of China on stage in "La Bayadère." [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

The ballet "La Bayadère" brought this time is a sincere work by the NBC to pay tribute to the world's ballet tradition. This classic work, created by Marius Petipa, the "father of classical ballet," is set in ancient India and tells the tragic story of love, honesty and freedom between the temple dancer (bayadère) Nikia and the warrior Solor. Feng Ying explained: "The charm of 'La Bayadère' lies in its concise narrative carrying profound themes, while demonstrating the overall level of the troupe with exquisite dancing skills."

It is worth noting that while respecting the essence of the original, the NBC has breathed new vitality into classics. "Every generation interprets the roles with their own traits — even in the same court ball scene, different performers bring distinct artistic styles," Feng noted. 

The NBC's performances in Xinjiang will run through the closing night of July 29, and Feng specifically highlighted that the troupe will feature its youngest dancer, Liu Yuanjin. This rising star, she added, will embody the NBC's well-established artistic inheritance on the closing night — further proof of how the company nurtures new talent to keep classics alive with fresh energy.

With the opening of modern theaters such as the Urumqi Grand Theatre, more high-level artistic works can be presented here. Feng Ying said: "The fact that works like 'La Bayadère,' which have extremely high requirements in terms of the theater conditions, can be staged in Xinjiang confirms the leapfrog development of cultural facilities here."

In her view, the Xinjiang International Dance Festival has become an important hub for cultural exchanges between China and foreign countries. "We hope that through classics like 'La Bayadère,' the audiences can feel the charm of world ballet, and at the same time, convey the profound heritage of Chinese culture through 'A Dream of Red Mansions,' and achieve cross-border artistic dialogue on the stage."

Founded in 1959, the NBC has always placed a strong focus on innovation. While staging world classics such as "Swan Lake" and "La Bayadère," it has also created original works such as "The Red Detachment of Women" and "A Dream of Red Mansions," establishing a unique Chinese ballet aesthetic system.